How does LSD affect the mind? As a psychoactive substance, it changes the way people think and feel. This hallucinogenic drug causes false visual, auditory, and tactile sensations.

While these sensations may feel very real at the time, it’s only the effects of lysergic acid on the brain. Also known as ”yellow sunshine,” this chemical compound is a substance produced in fungus, rye, and in other grains.

Learn more about the treatment of LSD abuse and what to expect from recovery in this guide.

LSD Inpatient

LSD addiction is also known as hallucinogen use disorder. It’s a diagnosable illness and should be treated with inpatient rehabilitation.

What Is Inpatient Treatment?

Is LSD addictive? The short answer is yes. It’s psychologically addiction.

However, this drug is different from other substances in that it’s not a physically addictive substance. Why? Because the use of LSD doesn’t induce chemical changes in the brain responsible for addictive cravings.

Many inpatient treatment centers across the U.S. have no specific or targeted protocol for treating LSD. But, they can assist in other ways:

  • An inpatient facility will prevent access to LSD and any other substances
  • They help patients through the withdrawal process and monitor withdrawal symptoms
  • Inpatient facility staff monitor the well-being of patients during the early stages of recovery
  • Group and individual therapy sessions are provided to address the underlying issues behind addiction
  • Therapy is provided to equip patients with coping skills to manage sobriety and prevent relapse

Aside from the above, medical professionals monitor a patient’s clinical symptoms when ”coming down” from LSD. If necessary, adequate medications are administered to address psychotic episodes or mood swings associated with LSD abuse.

Facilities will offer patients the counseling and medication they need if they’re struggling with a co-occurrence of mental illness and addiction. Very often, this is the case with people struggling with addiction. A dual approach to treatment is needed for a successful recovery.

Standard Length of LSD Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment can range from 28 days up to six months in length. The time a patient spends in rehab depends on the severity of their LSD addiction.

The longer a patient has been abusing LSD, the further their level of addiction and any co-occurring illnesses has progressed. As such, their duration of treatment is longer.

For anyone struggling with an addiction for longer than three to five years, it’s recommended they stay for at least 90 days at an inpatient treatment center.

LSD Outpatient

Outpatient rehabilitation is another treatment option. But, it’s only recommended if the recovering LSD addict has a strong support network.

What Is Outpatient Treatment?

Outpatient treatment allows recovering addicts to remain at home during the duration of their treatment program. The benefit of outpatient treatment is that you can maintain your regular way of life by continuing to work and look after family and children. Unlike inpatient treatment, patients have far more freedom.

Outpatient treatment involves attending daily meetings. These are usually held at night or in the early morning so their daily schedule isn’t disrupted.

Outpatient usually entails:

  • Drug abuse education including the underlying cause of drug abuse and addiction
  • Group counseling sessions
  • Teaching patients the necessary skills to cope without drugs and live a sober life
  • Outpatient treatment can be a standalone treatment or part of an ongoing treatment plan for recovering addicts

Outpatient treatment is best suited to those who suffer mild-to-moderate withdrawal symptoms and don’t need to be medically monitored. However, patients are required to visit a hospital for regular physical and mental checkups during their recovery.

A doctor may need to administer medications to assist with withdrawal symptoms. They’ll also prescribe them to manage conditions such as anxiety or depression.

Standard Length of LSD Outpatient Treatment

As mentioned, an outpatient treatment program is far less restrictive. It usually requires 10-12 hours per week spent at an outpatient treatment center.

On average, an outpatient detox and withdrawal period ranges from 6-7 days.

LSD Sober Living

Sober living or living in a sobriety house is another option for recovering addicts. Sober living is all about making necessary adjustments to live a new life without addiction and substance abuse.

What Is LSD Sober Living?

In order to maintain a sober way of life, you’ll need to change everything about the life you lived on drugs. During this time, you may encounter some of toughest moments of your life. But, you’ll also cover a few major milestones along your road to recovery.

What to Expect

Some of the major life changes you can expect to make include:

  • Finding a new circle of friends who support your recovery and sober way of life
  • Making amends with the friends and family members who may have been affected by your addiction and actions
  • Finding and holding down a job, earning an income, and paying off debts
  • Finding alternative housing away from potential triggers or old crowds of friends who enabled your addiction
  • Adjusting to a sober way of life (finding new hobbies to help you feel happy and fulfilled)

Of course, these changes won’t happen overnight. It will take time to achieve these goals during the course of your sober living.

Ongoing Recovery

The truth is that your addiction recovery doesn’t end when you complete an inpatient or outpatient program. The road to recovery is ongoing and takes persistent effort to maintain a sober way of life that makes you happy.

In order to stay clean and avoid relapse, here are a few steps to help you along the road of recovery:

  • Attend individual therapy sessions with a therapist who recognizes addiction as more than just a chemical dependence
  • Go for regular check-ups with a mental health professional to ensure your mental health is on track
  • Attend 12-step meetings with a Narcotics Anonymous group for long-term treatment support
  • Find alternative support groups such as Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) to support your sober way of life

Aside from the above steps, you’ll need to make an effort to rebuild a new social life and spend your time in a meaningful way. Some examples include volunteering, taking a class, studying something new, or taking up a new sport.

The most important thing is to remember all the work you’ve put into overcoming addiction and your constant effort to living a happier, healthier life.

Access the Recovery Support You Need

At Addiction Treatment Services, we understand the struggle in finding the right treatment center for a loved one’s specific needs.

Make the best decision on behalf of someone you love with the expertise of a company you can trust. Whether it’s an LSD or alcohol addiction, we work to find you the insurance coverage and treatment plan for their needs.

Speak to one of our expert consultants today for full family support.